P0744: Torque converter clutch circuit intermittent fault
The torque converter clutch circuit drops out now and then. It is almost always a loose connector or a chafed wire that loses contact.
| Code | P0744 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P07xx, Transmission |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0744 means
The torque converter links the engine to the automatic gearbox. At a steady speed an internal clutch locks it so no power or fuel is wasted, and that clutch is worked by a solenoid controlled by the ECU. The fault comes and goes, which almost always points to a connection that drops out with heat or vibration.
Most common causes
- Connector for the torque converter clutch solenoid with a loose or dirty pin
- Wire that rubs and only fails over bumps or with vibration
- Gearbox pass-through connector with fluid or tired pins
- Poor engine or gearbox earth connection
- The torque converter clutch solenoid that only fails when hot
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Higher revs and fuel use at a steady speed
- Judder at low speed or when stopping
- On some cars the gearbox goes into limp mode
Can you drive with P0744?
With care You can keep driving gently, but get it looked at soon: the gearbox fluid runs hotter and the torque converter can end up damaged.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
With the engine idling, gently wiggle the wiring near the gearbox and watch on the scanner whether the code comes back. Note whether it fails when hot or over bumps: that detail saves the garage hours.
How to read and clear P0744 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0744 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
This code is usually stored by the gearbox control unit. If the car reports it over standard OBD, you read it for nothing with FREE; to read it straight from the gearbox control unit, with its description and clearing, you need PRO.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0740 Torque converter clutch circuit fault
- P0741 Torque converter clutch poor performance or not engaging
- P0742 Torque converter clutch stuck engaged
- P0743 Torque converter clutch circuit electrical fault
- P0745 Gearbox pressure control solenoid fault
- P0746 Pressure control solenoid poor performance or stuck off
- P0747 Pressure control solenoid stuck on
- P0748 Pressure control solenoid electrical fault
- P0700 Transmission control system: fault detected
- P0701 Transmission control system: range/performance
- P0702 Transmission control system: electrical fault
- P0703 Torque converter/brake switch B: circuit fault
What does code P0744 mean?
The torque converter links the engine to the automatic gearbox. At a steady speed an internal clutch locks it so no power or fuel is wasted, and that clutch is worked by a solenoid controlled by the ECU. The fault comes and goes, which almost always points to a connection that drops out with heat or vibration.
Can you drive with P0744?
You can keep driving gently, but get it looked at soon: the gearbox fluid runs hotter and the torque converter can end up damaged.
How do you clear P0744?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0744 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
